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Margaret Peggy Lynch, longtime Amarillo educator and community leader, died Thursday, Aug. 7, 1997. She was 56. Services will be at 2 p.m. Saturday in First Presbyterian Church with the Rev. Murray Gossett, associate pastor, officiating. Burial will be in Llano Cemetery by Boxwell Brothers Funeral Directors, 2820 Virginia Circle.

Mrs. Lynch was born in Amarillo and had been a lifetime Amarillo resident. She graduated from Amarillo High School in 1958 and attended Stephens College in Columbia, Mo. She received a bachelor's degree in education from Texas Tech University at Lubbock and a master's degree in mid-management from West Texas State University. She began her teaching career at St. Andrew's Day School in 1974. She began teaching in Amarillo public schools in 1978 as a third-grade teacher at Sunrise Elementary School. She taught kindergarten and first grade at Lamar Elementary School from 1982 to 1985.

Mrs. Lynch served as the staff development instructor for the PET program from 1985 to 1987. She served as principal at Belmar Elementary School during the 1987-88 school year. She became principal of Amarillo's first magnet school, Carver Elementary Academy, in 1988. Her duties included planning the new school's opening, program design, staff and student selection, coordinating building renovations and fund raising. She was instrumental in writing the grants that secured more than $1 million for equipment and staff development for Carver. She retired July 31, 1997.

Mrs. Lynch served as a deacon for First Presbyterian Church and served on the board of directors of the former Killgore Children's Psychiatric Hospital. She also served on the Regional Head Start Advisory Council and on a long-range planning committee for Northwest Texas Hospital. She served as president of the Panhandle Association for Education of Young Children, the Amarillo Elementary Principals Association and the Amarillo Junior League. She was named Educator of the Year by the Panhandle Association for the Education of Young Children and received the On Behalf of Youth Award from Camp Fire Boys and Girls Inc. She also received the 1990-91 Award for Distinguished Community Service in Education from the Amarillo Women's Forum.

Mrs. Lynch received the Bob Ashworth Award for outstanding service from the Amarillo Independent School District in April. She also was inducted into the Sandie Hall of Fame in April.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Dan W. Lynch, in 1995.

Survivors include a son, Dan Lynch of Franklin, Tenn.; a daughter, Beth Gustafson of McKinney; two brothers, Charles L. Rittenberry and James R. Rittenberry, both of Amarillo; and three grandchildren.

The family requests memorials be to the Peggy Lynch Memorial Carver Academy Scholarship Fund, 2207 S. Parker St., Amarillo, Texas 79109.

Remembering Peggy

Peggy Lynch Left Huge Impact On Area Children

by John Kanelis

Amarillo Globe Times: August 9, 1997

Amarillo today is laying to rest someone who embodied public service and commitment to her community. Peggy Lynch died Thursday at the age of 56 after a long struggle with cancer. Her community will miss her.

Mrs. Lynch was the founding principal of Amarillo's first magnet school, Carver Academy. To win such an honor exemplifies the absolute faith that the Amarillo school district had in her ability to make the academy a success. She took the job in 1988 and was hard at work a full year before the academy opened its doors. The success of the academy during its decade-old existence speaks volumes about Mrs. Lynch's ethic, her commitment to the children she served and what arguably was her most endearing personal quality -- an overpowering positive attitude.

She touched the lives of thousands of young Amarillo residents during her years at Carver. She instilled in them her boundless humor and good cheer. And she reaped the rewards of recognition for her tireless effort. The Panhandle Association for the Education of Young Children named her educator of the year. The Amarillo Women's Forum bestowed its Award for Distinguished Service in 1990-91. The Amarillo High School graduate was inducted this past April into the Sandie Hall of Fame. She served as president of the Panhandle Association for the Education of Young Children, the Amarillo Junior League and the Amarillo Elementary Principals Association. Peggy Lynch left a huge imprint on public education in this community. And the thousands of children whose lives she influenced are better off because of her good work.

"Friends Remember Lynch

By Melainie Yeager

Globe-News Education Writer

Amarillo Globe Times: Web posted 8/9/97

Peggy Lynch's life resembled a patchwork of optimism, humor, sharing and education innovation.

A teacher, a leader, a giver, a quilter, a lover of children, Lynch, 56, died Thursday - one week after retiring from Amarillo Independent School District. She served as the principal of Carver Elementary Academy, the district's first magnet elementary school.

Friend and fellow educator Shirley Thomas remembers Lynch as a trail blazer, whose confidence in the magnet school dream created contagious enthusiasm for the project.

Under Lynch's leadership, Carver became a model of educational innovation. The school emphasizes language and technology. Opening Carver in North Heights also gave that community a long-requested neighborhood campus. ``She was the conscience of Carver and dedicated the last years of her life to the success of Carver,'' said Bill Daniel, family friend and AISD school board member. Lynch will not get to see another one of her dreams fulfilled: the renovation of the closed Hilltop Elementary School into an early childhood learning center. The school will be an expansion of the Carver program. Although retired, Lynch looked forward to having a hand in the Hilltop project as a consultant, Thomas said.

``I guarantee you it wasn't her plan to be gone today,'' Thomas said. Steffanie Chew, Carver principal, worked closely with Lynch in her last years at AISD. ``I think she was just an inspiration and a very visionary person about education and about children,'' Chew said. Amarillo Superintendent Bob Moore said Lynch received recognition statewide and nationally as a leader in innovative education. ``We know that she had a tremendous impact on thousands and thousands of kids in Amarillo and the community in large,'' Moore said.

Lynn Lee, educator and friend, said, ``She'd adopt anybody. She was so good at taking care of people.'' Especially children. ``She probably knew her kids better than any principal in town,'' Lee said. Chew agreed. ``She was very fun-loving. She was kind of ornery. She understood kids. She still liked to do kid-like things and was very good at being able to get on their level.''

Lynch recently faced some tough times - her husband's death and reoccurrence of cancer in her own body. But she faced it all with optimism, friends said. ``Peggy never had a bad day,'' Daniel said. ``The cup was always half-full for her.'' ``She found humor in everything, as sick as she was,'' Lee said. Gary Angell, an AISD administrator, said, ``She was an extremely positive person. She always had a can-do attitude.'' If she met an obstacle, she found another way, he said. ``She did that constantly. Nothing stopped her,'' Angell said.

Lynch also served as a deacon at First Presbyterian Church. ``Peggy really cared about Christ and his ministry and work,'' said Murray Gossett, associate pastor.

``Jesus is standing again to welcome Peggy in heaven,'' he said.Margaret Peggy Lynch, longtime Amarillo educator and community leader, died Thursday, Aug. 7, 1997. She was 56. Services will be at 2 p.m. Saturday in First Presbyterian Church with the Rev. Murray Gossett, associate pastor, officiating. Burial will be in Llano Cemetery by Boxwell Brothers Funeral Directors, 2820 Virginia Circle.

Mrs. Lynch received the Bob Ashworth Award for outstanding service from the Amarillo Independent School District in April. She also was inducted into the Sandie Hall of Fame in April.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Dan W. Lynch, in 1995.

The family requests memorials be to the Peggy Lynch Memorial Carver Academy Scholarship Fund, 2207 S. Parker St., Amarillo, Texas 79109.

William L. Rivers, 64, of Amarillo died Friday, Dec. 24, 2004.

Services will be at 2 p.m. Tuesday in St. Andrew's Episcopal Church with the Rev. Jo Roberts Mann officiating. Burial will be in Llano Cemetery by Schooler Funeral Home, 4100 S. Georgia St.

Mr. Rivers was born June 27, 1940, in Hollis, Okla., to Arthur Garland Rivers and Loudella Olene Rivers. As a teen, he raised two siblings after his parents' premature deaths.

He married his childhood sweetheart, Pat Jacks, on May 9, 1956. He graduated from West Texas State University and Texas Tech University School of Law with honors while also working to support his family. He helped to organize the Tech chapter of Phi Delta Phi legal fraternity and served as president of the American Trial Lawyer's Student Advocacy Club while at Tech.

Mr. Rivers began his legal career as briefing attorney for Chief Justice James A. Ellis of the 7th Court of Appeals in Amarillo. He served as county and district attorney of Ochiltree County for more than four years. He began private law practice in 1981.

He was one of the primary founders of the Panhandle Family Law Association and was recently awarded the 2003 Panhandle Family Law Leadership Award. He was a member of the Amarillo Bar Association, past member and president of Northeast Panhandle Bar Association, past member of Harley Owner's Group and past chairman of the Democratic Party in Perryton. For many years, he was a member of the College of the State Bar of Texas. He was board certified in family law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization since 1989. He served as attorney for the board of directors at Ochiltree General Hospital for many years. He was active for several years and on the board of directors for Habitat for Humanity and served as a volunteer judge several years for the Tascosa High School debate team.

Mr. Rivers courageously battled cancer for the past two years. A quote from a friend and colleague: "Nearly 50 years ago, Bill was a kid on the streets and certainly one entrapped in circumstances. It is perhaps his unique background that made him the type of lawyer he was - honest, sincere, hardworking, respected, and perhaps more importantly, unpretentious in sometimes a seemingly very ostentatious or pompous world."

In addition to his law practice, he loved motorcycles, woodworking, photography, computers and daily coffee with friends at Denny's on Georgia and Love's on Hollywood Road.

He was an Episcopalian and a loving husband, brother, father and grandfather.

Survivors include his loving wife; two daughters, Jan Plequette and husband, Tom, and Michelle Moore and husband, Greg, all of Amarillo; a brother, Bob Rivers of Goodwell, Okla.; a sister, Kathy Sundberg of Salmon, Idaho; six grandchildren, Katie, Kristi and Kari Plequette and Megan, Logan and Macy Moore; and a very special mother-in-law, Mary Richey.

The family will be at 3805 Doris Dr.

Amarillo Globe-News, Dec. 27, 2004

ALBRITTON,, ANNE ROBERTS January, 26, 1940 - October 12, 2006. Anne, a lifetime student of music, enjoyed the richness of teaching, composing and arranging music and musicals. She was the church organist and choir director at St. John's Episcopal Church and Westminster Presbyterian Church in Corsicana, and Lakewood United Methodist Church in Dallas. Anne also accompanied The Turtle Creek Chorale and The Women's Chorus of Dallas. For three years she was the assistant to the Head of St. John's Episcopal School in Dallas. Born in Amarillo, Texas, she later called Corsicana and Dallas home. Anne's family includes Mrs. Margaret Roberts; Mike and Karen Albritton and their children Caleb, Ben and Matthew; John Albritton and Jennifer Garner; Julie Kelly and her daughter Maggie; Trigger Butler; Elaine Roberts; and Oliver and Helen Albritton. Anne's extended family includes the men, women and children of her neighborhood and the City of Dallas, throughout the State of Texas, and all across the United States who listen, play and sing her music. A celebration of Anne's life and music, a service of Worship and the Holy Eucharist will be held at 4PM November, 12, 2006 at Lakewood United Methodist Church, 2443 Abrams Rd., Dallas, TX 75214. For sixty-six years Anne's life and music filled our hearts and souls. Her music will stay alive with gifts made in her name to the Lakewood United Methodist Church Organ Fund, The Turtle Creek Chorale, The Women's Chorus of Dallas, and St. John's Episcopal School. Anne and her family give their heartfelt thanks and gratitude to Anne's friends, caregivers, nurses and physicians. "All of you have blessed my life with friendship, care and compassion."

Dallas Morning News

October 15, 2006

RUFF, JOE DALE (August 3, 1940 – December 20, 2007) – Born in Pampa, Texas, Joe went home to be with the Lord at the age of 67 after an extended illness. He was preceded in death by his mother and step-father, Morene and H.L. Powers, and his father, Cleo Clifton Ruff. Joe leaves to cherish his memory his beloved wife of 43 years, Michelle, of Smithville, Texas, his sons and daughters-in-law, Michael and Joyce Ruff, and Matthew and Jennifer Ruff, all of Austin, Texas, and his brother Dean Ruff, of Amarillo, Texas. Joe served in the U.S. Navy for 5 years after high school, as a technician aboard an aircraft carrier and a submarine. Joe retired from Texas Instruments / Raytheon after 40 years of employment as a quality engineer. He obtained his engineering degree from Southern Methodist University while working full time and raising a family. Funeral services will be held at Restland in Dallas; visitation is scheduled for Thursday, 12/27, 6-8 pm, and the service will take place in Wildwood Chapel at Restland on Friday, 12/28, at 3:30 pm. In lieu of flowers, the family asks you to consider a donation to a charitable organization such as St. Jude's Childrens Research Hospital, American Heart Association, American Lung Association, American Diabetes Association, or American Cancer Society.

Arvis Stewart:

Sorry to hear of Joe's passing. He and I were good friends in highschool, living just a few blocks away from each other. We worked for Furrs on Moss Lane and Canyon highway for what seemed like forever. I remember that he had a small motorcycle, a parakeet that flew around the house, a dad that traveled a lot for his job, a cute redheaded girlfriend, and was pretty smart( Joe,,,, not the redhead). He and I had talked about joining the Navy after HS, Joe did and I went to AC. Two years later I was in Oakland, CA working and trying to save money( It seemed like a good idea at the time) and Joe calls. His ship was at dock in San Francisco Bay so I drove up, picked him up and spent the day with him. We promised to keep in touch but I never saw him again except at our last big reunion. Time has a way of getting away from us.

Kenneth Robinson

Peggy Rittenberry

Glenda Robinson

Kenneth Leon Robinson

CARTWRIGHT, Okla. - Kenneth Leon Robinson, 69, formerly of Amarillo, Texas, died Thursday, Dec. 11, 2008, in Durant.

Services will be at 2 p.m. Monday in First Baptist Church with Ray Earley officiating. Burial with Masonic rites by Colbert Masonic Lodge No. 8 will be in Georgetown Cemetery, north of Pottsboro, Texas, by Cunningham Funeral Home of Colbert.

Mr. Robinson was born March 10, 1939, in Dalhart to the late Glendon and Cecilia Stout Robinson. He attended school in Amarillo and married Brenda Wynn on March 10, 1984, in Dorchester, Texas. He was a police officer for several years in Amarillo and Bryan/College Station, Texas. He had worked as a security supervisor for Texas Instruments for 11 years. He was a member of First Baptist Church in Cartwright and Colbert Masonic Lodge No. 8.

He also was preceded in death by a brother, James Stanley Robinson; and a sister, Glenda Harrison.

Survivors include his wife, Brenda Robinson; five children, Daren Robinson and wife Roni of Ackworth, Ga., Danny Robinson and wife Jana of Lake Dallas, Texas, Sam Keeler and wife Rachel of Sherman, Texas, Amanda Bishop and husband Matt of Conway, Ark., and Denice Winnett of Lewisville; three adopted children, Travis Middleton of Canada, Jason and Chelsey Wilson of Aubrey, Texas, and Patty Middleton of Lake Dallas; 11 grandchildren; a great-granddaughter; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Family visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. today at the funeral home.

Amarillo Globe-News, Dec. 14, 2008

Henry Edwin "Hank" Rogers

Born: May 22, 1940

Died: February 2, 2010

Henry E. Rogers was born in Amarillo, Texas, son of Henry Claibourne and Leta Spencer Rogers. Hank, who was the first member of his family to attend college, prepared for Yale at Amarillo High School.

Hank was a resident of Saybrook College. He was a member of the German Club and spent his junior year at the University of Munich. His roommates were Ken Edwards and Roy Hammer. Following graduation with a B.A. in German he continued in Graduate School at Yale. He received his Ph.D. in Linguistics in 1967. His thesis was on Sherbro, a language of Sierra Leone.

Hank then joined the faculty of the Department of Anthropology and Linguistics at the University of Toronto in 1967. He became a full professor, serving until his retirement in 2005. He also earned an M.Ed. in Applied Psychology in 1982 and pursued an avocation in counseling. He became a Canadian citizen in the 1960s.

Hank also lived and studied in the Outer Hebrides of Scotland on a research project on Scots Gaelic.

His special expertise in teaching and research was phonetics and he developed 2 textbooks, Theoretical and Practical Phonetics (1991) and The Sounds of Language (2000). He was a gifted font designer and designed several including IPAPhon which is used by phoneticians around the world. According to an article in the Toronto Globe & Mail, "His love of fonts and font-making led him to investigate writing systems used in languages around the world. In the 1990s, he began teaching courses on it. His book, Writing Systems: A Linguistic Approach (2003), is a masterly treatment of the subject that is unique in both its comprehensiveness and its insight." During the last decade of his life he did pioneering research on the phonetics of gay and lesbian speech.

The newspaper described Hank as having "an even-handed and unwavering sense of fair play, and his temperament led him naturally to serving the communities he participated in. He was a founding member of Out and Out Toronto and Gay Fathers. In the University, he served the Faculty Club in many roles including president. He worked tirelessly on settling issues for colleagues first as a member of the Faculty Association's Grievance Committee, eventually rising to Vice-President, and later as Vice President and a long-time member of the University's Grievance Review Panel."

Hank is survived by his partner of 27 years, Dennis Helm. They have been together since 1983 and married in 2004 after same sex marriage become legal in Canada. Mr. Helm is a retired director of mental health and addiction programs for the Ontario Ministry of Health.

Hank had 2 sons from his prior marriage to Dorothy, who resides in Ottawa and with whom he remained close over the years.

His son David and wife Carole reside in Whitehorse, Yukon Territory where he works in computer consulting. Son Iain and partner Anne reside in Incheon, Korea where he teaches at the Language Institute of the University of Incheon.

Classmate Roy Hammer recalls that he was best man at Hank's wedding to Dorothy. He then lost contact with Hank until about 10 years ago. Roy also reached roommate Ken Edwards, who was able to reestablish contact with Hank prior to his death. Roy said it seemed ironic that Hank spent his career in Toronto so far to the north when as an undergraduate from Texas "he was critical of us northerners as frigid people."

Dennis Helm said "Hank got great pleasure from reading, gardening, cooking, travelling, training his dogs, following politics and spending long summers at the family cottage in Haliburton. Hank will be remembered for many things but perhaps most keenly for his big heart, his philosophical approach to life and his ready and distinctive laugh. He was genuine, kind and possessed a rare and infectious sense of humor."

Hank died at his home in Scarborough overlooking Lake Ontario after a ten month struggle with stomach cancer. He was buried at Necropolis Cemetery in Toronto. Tributes in Hank's memory may be made to University of Toronto, 21 King's College Circle, Toronto, ON M5S 3J3, for the scholarship in Linguistics established in his name

Remembering Joe

Fred Thomas Roberts

LOGAN, N.M.

Fred Thomas Roberts, 71, died Monday, Aug. 2, 2010.

Graveside services will be at 10 a.m. Friday in Texhoma Cemetery with the Rev. David Terry officiating. Arrangements are by Morrison Funeral Directors of Dumas, Texas.

Fred was born Nov. 8, 1938, in Amarillo to Fred and Loreta Roberts. He attended school in Amarillo, Texas, and graduated from Amarillo High in 1958.

Fred was united in marriage to Lynda Brown in 1961 in Texhoma, where the couple made their home.

Fred worked for Phillips Petroleum and retired after 30 years of service. Fred and Lynda then retired to Logan.

Survivors include his wife, Lynda Roberts; two sons, Mike Roberts and wife Stacy of Sunray, Texas, and Gary Roberts and wife Nichole of Kingman, Ariz.; four grandchildren; and two stepgrandchildren.

The family suggests memorials be to Tucumcari Hospice, 310 S. Second St., Tucumcari, NM 88401.

Sign the online guest book at www.morrisonfuneraldirectors.com